Community Employment Schemes.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2010

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Questions (112)

George Lee

Question:

177 Deputy George Lee asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of the labour market activation programme funding that is absorbed by community employment schemes; the number of unemployed persons catered for by community unemployment schemes; the way the rest of the labour market activation programme funding is allocated; the number of unemployed persons catered for by the rest of the labour market allocation programme funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5626/10]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

In 2009 the budget allocated to the Community Employment Scheme was €380.6 million. This represents 51% of the 2009 FÁS budget of €742.4 million for training and work experience for the unemployed. Figures for the end of 2009 show that a total of 30,309 people were either participating in or had completed their Community Employment placement.

By the end of 2009, excluding Community Employment, a total of 107,731 people were either participating in or had completed FÁS training and work experience programmes for the unemployed. Finalised 2009 outturn figures for FÁS programmes are not yet available and will be completed in the near future.